HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Midfielder Rafael Castillo scored two goals in the first half as the Scorpions beat the New York Cosmos 3-1 in the opening match of the North American Soccer League fall season Saturday before 3,806 at Hofstra University's James M. Shuart Stadium.

“Obviously, it's a huge win,” Scorpions coach Alen Marcina said. “I'm proud of the guys; they stuck to the plan, they executed. We had some fantastic goals — both teams. All the goals tonight were a pleasure to see.

“I think the fans got a treat, obviously maybe not the way they wanted it to go, but I'm proud of my guys and it's positive moving forward.”

Castillo scored his first goal in the 41st minute, when his shot went in off the post past goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer.

He netted his second goal in the second minute of first-half stoppage time when he lashed a free kick to give the Scorpions a 2-0 halftime advantage.

The Cosmos scored in the 57th minute when Hunter Freeman blasted a 26-yard free kick over the Scorpions' wall and into the side netting. The fullback almost tied the match in the 63rd minute, but his lob from 35 yards sailed just over the crossbar.

The Scorpions rounded out the scoring in the 69th minute when Sainey Touray ran on to a pass by Billy Forbes and chipped it over Maurer.